2023 Nyungwe Chimpanzee trekking
2023 Nyungwe Chimpanzee trekking : Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular activity in Nyungwe National Park. There are around 1000 people in the national park, with approximately 60 habituated persons in Nyungwe forest alone and 30 habituated individuals in Cyamudongo forest, which is next to Nyungwe forest.
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest national park begins early in the morning, at 5:00 a.m., and ends at 2 p.m. Visitors who want to undertake monkey tracking in Nyungwe National Park are first briefed by the park’s head ranger. Visitors are then divided into hiking groups of no more than six people.
Trekking Chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park begins at roughly 5:00 a.m. with a briefing, so guests should get up earlier for breakfast and then move to the starting location. The national park is home to the most chimps in Rwanda, with around 60 habituated individuals in Nyungwe forest and 30 habituated individuals in Cyamudongo forest, a tiny relict forest located in Nyungwe forest. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park begins at one of three visitor centers: Uwinka, which also serves as the park’s headquarters, Kitabi, and Gisakura.
2023 NYUNGWE CHIMPANZEE TREKKING PRICE
Although permits for tracking chimpanzees are not as restrictive (or as expensive at US$150 per person) as those for gorillas, they are nevertheless strongly recommended. We will make all of the necessary preparations for you.
What to expect on your 2023 Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Your assigned private guide will wake you up well before sunrise and serve you a light breakfast before driving you to the national park’s headquarters. You’ll meet a hiking guide and park rangers here, and you’ll be assigned to one of the two monkey troops.
Each trekking party is limited to eight individuals and is led by a guide and an armed park ranger. You’ll almost always have the option of hiring a porter to accompany you, which might be beneficial if you have a backpack or photography equipment, or if you want someone to help you navigate the muddy trails.
Around daybreak, you’ll normally travel down to the forest with the rest of the party. The walk can be tough due to the rough terrain and dense foliage, but the pace is gradual and the rainforest setting, with its variety of birds and other wildlife, is enthralling. Your guide will be a wildlife expert, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions along the journey.
The length of your journey is determined on the location of the chimpanzees; while trackers go out ahead to identify the troops, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to reach them. When you come across the chimpanzees, you usually get an hour to study them while keeping a minimum distance of roughly 7m and any talk to a whisper. If the chimpanzees are active during your hour, you may be able to follow them for a short distance before returning to the park headquarters and arriving at your lodge in time for lunch.
Best Time to trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park.
Chimpanzee trekking is possible all year, while the terrain is more difficult during the wet seasons: April-May and November. Chimpanzee trekking is most popular during the dry months, between December and February, and from roughly June to mid-September.
Age Limit for 2023 Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking
For this expedition, you must be at least 15 years old. This is severely enforced, and there is no wiggle room.
What to expect during your 2023 Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Paths on chimpanzee trekking excursions can be slick and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. A walking staff or pole may also be useful. As there may be thorns and heavy foliage along the path, we recommend wearing light clothing in neutral colors, with long pants and long-sleeved tops; some people even bring thick gloves. A waterproof jacket is an excellent choice because downpours can occur even during the dry season.
A set of binoculars will typically improve your experience significantly, especially if you see the chimps up in the trees, and many people believe a camera to be essential.
Before leaving for the national park, you’ll be served a small breakfast at your lodge, but no meals are included on the hike. Your lodge will normally serve you with a packed breakfast if you ask the day before. Remember to bring lots of water (your guide will carry extra for you). You might also wish to bring a snack for added energy!
Porters are available for a minimal cost of roughly US$10 to carry your bags and assist you through difficult portions of the trek. Even if you don’t actually need them, hiring a porter is a nice way to contribute directly to the local economy, and conversing with them en-route may enrich your experience of both local life and your hike, but keep in mind that their English isn’t always as strong as the guides’.
The length of your journey is determined on the location of the chimpanzees; while trackers go out ahead to identify the troops, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to reach them. When you come across the chimpanzees, you usually get an hour to study them while keeping a minimum distance of roughly 7m and any talk to a whisper. If the chimpanzees are active during your hour, you may be able to follow them for a short distance before returning to the park headquarters and arriving at your lodge in time for lunch.
How fit should one be to track chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park.
You don’t have to be super-fit to go chimpanzee trekking, but it does assist if you have a fair general level of fitness, if only to appreciate the experience more. Walking will be at a slow pace, with stops as needed; this is crucial because you will be hiking at an altitude of 1,600m to 2,950m. Depending on whose troop you monitor and the time of year, you may be wandering through impenetrable woodland for many hours or reaching the chimpanzees after a 30-minute stroll.
